October Japanese Cuisine @ Bandar Jaya Putra, Johor Bahru

My recent excursion to Johor Bahru with a group of friends brought me to this beautiful Japanese restaurant located at Bandar Jaya Putra (JP Perdana). Housed in a bungalow lot, October Japanese Cuisine has an attractive Japanese inspired garden with a full cherry blossom and bamboo “tunnel” at the facade.

The interior is bright with plenty of natural light beaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Black marble being used on flooring and furniture which exudes a classic and elegant charm.

The restaurant also designed well to feature a counter bar where diners can get some chef’s action.

While the ground floor boasts an elegant setting, the upper floor on the other hand have a lovely country home feel with wooden knick-knack and potted plants decorated the place.

There are a few private rooms too which are suitable for small function or gathering.

October Japanese Cuisine have launched their latest Chinese New Year festive menu and we didn’t miss the opportunity to have an early Lou Sang.

A medley of radish, carrot, pickled ginger, cucumber, marinated jelly fish, marinated scallop skirt and seaweed as the salad base while a trio of Norwegian Salmon, Maguro (Tuna) and Hamachi (Yellow Tail) sashimi represent the appeal of festive ‘Yue’ to the dish. The salad texture is enhanced with homemade fried Gyoza skin, roasted almond flakes, crushed peanut and roasted sesame seeds. Instead of the common sour plum sauce, we had our Yee Sang tossed with the specially crafted Wasabi sauce which lent a punchy kick to the it.

Auspicious Flaming Nabe (RM68.80nett)

Served in a earthware pot, the Auspicious Flaming Nabe laden bountifully with Norwegian Salmon and chicken breast, Shitake mushrooms, leeks, Chinese cabbage and carrots. The soup base is a special concoction of “KaoLiang” rice wine, Japanese Sake and Miso Soup. The broth was set aflame and alcohol content of the wine will be evaporated. As soon as the flames died out, the dish was ready for us with its delicious aroma of distinctive Chinese wine.

Fortune Sushi & Sashimi Platter (RM58.80nett)

There are six different artistically sculpted sushi accompanied with varieties of Sashimi. We had Maguro, Hamachi and Salmon that day, they were unquestionably fresh and divine with hint of oceanic note.

With conjunction of this festive season, customer who spend RM88.00 and above will be entitled two packets of an exclusive October Group Angpao and a RM20.00 voucher.

Apart from the festive menu, we also tried a few dishes from their usual ala carte menu.

Grilled Edamame (RM9.90++)

My first time saw this and I knew I just had to order it. The Edamame was coated with spicy Japanese Togarashi seasoning and sautéed to smoky perfection. This rendition certainly hitting the right notes for flavors and fragrance, great to go with beer I reckon.

Flaming Salmon Aburi Maki (RM29.90++)

The sushi roll was made with Salmon and crab stick then topped with spicy mayo sauce. It was being lighted up in flames at the bottom and gave the maki roll a pleasant smoky flavor.

October Special Bento (RM59.90++)

Their signature Bento box was a fully loaded portion which is perfect for those with big appetite. As a big eater monster, I was a bit struggled to finish this by my own and this is a portion good enough for two small eaters. The bento box featuring Chicken Karaage, Salmon Sashimi, vegetables stew, Salmon Teriyaki, chicken meat balls and Unagi Kabayaki. Rice, miso soup and fruit completed the set.

Kushiyaki Moriawase (RM44.90++)

A medley of assorted grilled skewers of scallops, bacon wrapped with assorted mushrooms,leek, chicken, lady fingers, brinjal and garlic. The skewers looked quite pale and the taste also missed the mark. It lack of the distinctive smoky flavor and I think they could have been better with some sauces and grilled longer.

Verdict: Being my first visit to a Japanese restaurant in Johot Bahru, the food definitely above average. Not to mention that the service was attentive and friendly throughout our meal, as well as the comfortable dining environment.

6 comments

Ooo….I remember reading this in kyspeaks blog not too long ago. You must have been in the same excursion. I love how beautifully the sushi & sashimi platter is plated. Would love those grilled edamame as well. What’s next….Crab Factory? Hihihi! 😀